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Jebose O. Okwumabua, PhD, Human Movement Sciences and Education, The University of Memphis, Elma Roane Field House, 495 Zach Curlins, Memphis, TN 38152, (901) 678-4953, ookwumab@memphis.edu, Vincent D. Glover, MBA, Infectious Disease Control, Memphis and Shelby County Health Department, 814 Jefferson Ave, Memphis, TN 38107, Sharron Edwards, BS, St. Andrews AME Church, Community Life Center, 888 South Parkway East, Memphis, TN 38106, and Norman Foster, MS, Memphis and Shelby County Health Department, Infectious Disease Control, 814 Jefferson Ave, Memphis, TN 38107.
In partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service, Office of HIV/AIDS Policy, a crisis response field study was conducted to: (1) understand the dynamics and determinants of the high incidence of HIV/AIDS in Memphis/Shelby County, Tennessee; and (2) to identify an action plan toward mitigating the HIV/AIDS crisis in Memphis and Shelby County. The field study utilized epidemiological surveillance data, focus group and cultural expert interviews, rapid assessment survey, direct observations, and geo-mapping to gather information concerning HIV/AIDS crisis in this metropolis. The Crisis Response Team included a Field Team Coordinator, Health Department Liaison, a team of eight Field Investigators, and a 13-member Community Working Group. Using the census tracks, two high morbidity Zip Code areas and risk pockets for HIV/AIDS were identified. Project activities concentrated on the risk pockets following a two-day training by the Office of HIV/AIDS Policy’s technical team. Eighty-eight residents and cultural experts (aged 15-65) were interviewed. Three groups (8-9 per group, aged 24-59) participated in the focus group interviews. Data from rapid assessments, field investigators’ notes, focus group transcripts, and information from direct observations were analyzed to determine consistencies of evidence. Perhaps one of the most intriguing findings is the need to provide HIV/AIDS prevention outreach during non-traditional hours between 6 p.m. and 2 a.m. via partnerships among health agencies and residents of the high morbidity areas. In addition to presenting the findings, the authors will discuss the methods of entry into the community, identifying risk pockets, recruitment, challenges, and lessons learned.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.